SUPPORT US

For over a century, the Stonington Free Library has been committed to offering our programs and services for free to the community and to stewarding the beautiful building we call home. But we need your help! As a privately funded 501(c)3 library, we rely on private donations, or Annual Fund gifts, for over 40% of our annual budget. Your financial support is critical to our survival and success! Find out how to support the library below…

ANNUAL FUND

MONTHLY SUSTAINERS

Join the Library Sustainer program and set up a secure, easily updated, recurring schedule of giving to the Annual Fund at a level that is comfortable for you!

Your monthly donation allows us to fund programs and services directly by providing an automatic and consistent source of revenue.

Our annual fund accounts for over one third of our annual budget. We count on your donations to maintain and improve our services to the community. Please do send a one-time monetary donation online!

STOCKS & SECURITIES

A transfer of stocks or securities can benefit both you and the Library! If you are interested in making a donation in the form of stocks or securities, find stock transfer instructions below or contact Suzanne G. Kerr, Development Coordinator, directly.

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS

Matching gifts from your employer are a great way to increase the impact of your gift!

If your employer offers matching funds, please do contact them about the process when making a gift to the Library. Contact us by email, phone, or in-person so that we can help to facilitate the process.

MORE WAYS TO GIVE

PLANNED GIVING

The Babcock-Phelps Society, named for the Library’s two earliest benefactors, recognizes individuals who have chosen to remember the Library in their estate planning documents.

Bequests to the Library are invested in the endowment fund, which both supports the Library in its day-to-day operations and ensures its sustainability.

If you have already made such a provision, please let us know—we would like recognize your generosity. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Babcock-Phelps Society and would like more information, please contact Suzanne G. Kerr, Development Coordinator by email, by phone at 860-535-0658, or come and see us at the Library.

Tribute gifts are a wonderful way to pay tribute to a friend or family member.

Looking for a way to honor a friend or family member? Consider a tribute gift to the Library. Give in memory of someone who cherished the Library during their lifetime, is an enthusiastic library supporter, or for a special occasion. When you make your gift, we will inform the person being honored or the family of the person you are remembering. Look for your tribute gift in our annual report! When you make a tribute gift online, be sure to include the name of your honoree in the comment section.

MYSTERY DINNER

Now in its 10th successful year, the Mystery Dinner has been the Library’s signature annual fundraiser and remains a cherished tradition in Stonington. It’s the perfect way to kick off the spring season – introducing residents to new friends and neighbors, creating a wonderful sense of community and raising a significant portion of the much-needed annual funding for the Library.

In 2009, SFL trustees Ruth Saunders and Joyce Pandolfi conceived the Mystery Dinner concept in an effort to augment funds for library operations. Their idea was to gather guests in the early evening at the Library, decorated by literary theme, and, over cocktails and conversation, learn who their mystery dinner hosts would be. Upon reaching their mystery house, yet another surprise would be revealed: their group of dining companions. The Mystery Dinner is truly a magical mystery night!

The first ever Mystery Dinner theme was Great American Authors. Each year the planning committee chooses a new theme, always with a literary connection. Past themes include Alice in Wonderland, Hemingway in Spain, A Passage to India and Walden Pond.

MYSTERY DINNER 2018

Dinner at Antoine’s– A Wonderful Success –Rated 5 Stars!

On a mild Saturday evening in April, the 10th year of Stonington Free Library’s annual Mystery Dinner welcomed more than 150 guests to the Library transformed into Antoine’s Restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans circa 1948. Inspired by Frances Parkinson Keyes’s bestselling novel Dinner at Antoine’s the books disappeared, replaced with paneled walls lined with photographs, elegant floral arrangements, and even a small private dining room set with crystal and silver. Hostesses welcomed guests as they arrived, handing out sealed letters with the all-important directions to each Mystery Dinner home. Tuxedo-clad bartenders served Kir royales and other refreshments, while Mystery Dinner committee members circulated with delicious southern hors d’oeuvres of crab cakes, andouille sausage, muffaletta and more.

Trustee Kate Randolph addressed the crowd, thanking outgoing Board President Nick Kepple for his tireless service and highlighting the progress the Library has made in recent years. She also provided a vision of future accomplishments: “Building on the work of individuals who have served the Library in the past – and I see many of you here – we are on a mission to secure the funding necessary to provide a 21st century library for the Stonington community.”

As shadows fell, guests headed out to 19 different “Mystery” dinner destinations, looking forward to NOLA-in-Stonington style hospitality and an evening of celebration with new and old friends for the best of causes.

“The services outshine any local public library I have ever visited. I’m always welcomed like I have been a friend for years.”

"An extremely valuable part of the community—a friendly place where I feel welcome. I look forward to visiting each week."

"A wealth of information, hours of enjoyment, friendly and encouraging staff, good humor."

“The most adorable, helpful and cozy libraryI have ever been in.”

"The Stonington Free Library is awesome. A cozy and charming place to go to for books and events."